Riley Fisher, DO - Chief Resident

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Fairbanks, AK, but attended undergrad and medical school in Washington State.

What are your personal interests/hobbies?

Growing up in Alaska inspired a love for the outdoors, where bunny boots and full net mosquito suits are wardrobe staples. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, hiking, playing soccer or camping, I am reinvigorated when I’m outdoors being active. If I am lucky enough to do these activities with my family and a dog in tow, the time spent is invaluable.

Other things include, sampling local eats, wine and beer-tasting, reality TV (I’m not proud)—one hour is entertaining, two hours is detrimental, traveling, animals, yoga, painting, cooking, morning coffee, and Van Morrison.

What are your professional interests?

Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Medical Education; Global Health; Combatting disparities through education, policy/advocacy.

Why did you choose UA EM?

One of the few combined EM & Peds programs in the country. When I rotated through as a fourth year, everyone made me feel at home right away. I chose UofA because of its unparalleled diversity of clinical experiences, the ability to train at both a county hospital and an academic center, an underserved patient population, great faculty residents, and staff who are an impressive bunch and yet very down-to-earth, funny and warm. Most importantly, my interview with Dale Woolridge, who took me out for an obscene amount of wings and gave me some of his beer when my glass was empty.

What's your ideal vacation?

Somewhere beautiful and completely off the map with no cell phone service and by the water.

What are your non-medical goals during residency?

Travel, become fluent in Spanish, get my buns to the gym, kiddos, and to maintain a life balance.